Bullpen Report: Brothers 'the man' again

Colorado Rockies closer Rafael Betancourt probably deserved a better fate this week in Philadelphia, but now it's reasonable to ask if Thursday night was the last time we'll see the Venezuelan right-hander pitch. Betancourt blew the save in Wednesday's game, then again Thursday before succumbing to elbow pain, which could be serious enough to warrant Tommy John surgery and end his career. Betancourt is, after all, 38 years old. It's not official yet, so deep leaguers should wait a bit longer before parting ways, but everyone should see if lefty Rex Brothers is available, for this is a dominant reliever whose opportunity appears to have returned.

Brothers leads all relief pitchers in Wins Above Replacement this season, and when Betancourt was out recently following an appendectomy, the former first-round pick filled in quite ably. He has 11 saves on the season, and while he's probably a bit fortunate to have a 1.51 ERA (his xFIP is 3.53), this is a potential top-10 fantasy closer with strikeout potential who is available in more than 40 percent of ESPN standard leagues. Act now, and take note in dynasty formats as well, because Brothers should be the guy for years to come.

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Eric Karabell

Eric Karabell is a senior writer for ESPN.com. He has worked at ESPN since 1997 and covered fantasy sports for ESPN since 2001, specializing in baseball and football. Eric contributes to ESPN The Magazine and appears on a variety of digital platforms for ESPN.com. He has been honored twice as fantasy sports writer of the year by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, his blog was named best fantasy baseball series for 2007 and he was inducted into the inaugural FSWA Hall of Fame class in 2011.

Eric grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs, and accordingly, favors all Philly teams first, his fantasy teams second. He previously served as ESPN.com's lead NBA editor, and is a former Washington Post and Philadelphia Inquirer sports writer. Eric is also the author of "The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments," published by Source Books and available in bookstores and online.